Meet Chris Ward, Technical Development Manager at P C Henderson
Having joined the company in 2022, our Technical Development Manager, Chris, has quickly become an integral part of the team here at P C Henderson.
After completing a BEng in Computer Aided Design, and then later studied an MSc in Advanced Manufacturing Systems, Chris started his career as a Design Engineer within the shower enclosure manufacturing industry. He then progressed into a Design Manager role where he developed sliding, bi-folding and hinged products within the same industry for 17 years. In 2022, Chris decided it was time for a new challenge and joined the P C Henderson team.
As Technical Development Manager, Chris’ role involves managing our Research and Development department to design new products and improve our existing systems to meet the needs of our customers.
During the product development process, Chris and his team start by bringing together various concepts and utilising our in-house CNC machines to develop protypes. Using our internal test facilities, each component is then subject to stringent and exhaustive testing in the excess of 100,000 cycles to meet BS EN 1527 standards. Once approved, Chris works closely with various departments within the business to prepare for the official product launch.
Chris and his team are also responsible for the continual improvement of our existing product range to ensure they meet the need of the customer. Once recent example of this is our new Huskyfold 30 internal bifold door kit which replaced our existing Husky Folding 25 and 40 to incorporate higher quality hinges, fast fix components for easier installation and removed requirement for a guide channel.
When asked what he enjoys about his role, Chris commented, “I enjoy the varied nature of my role. No two days are ever the same and I am always balancing multiple exciting projects. Most of my projects involve collaborative working so I get to work with various departments across the business.”
When developing new design concepts, Chris’ main priority is adding value to the installer and end user, ensuring all of our products are functional, aesthetic and easy to install. To achieve this, Chris and his team regularly meet to brainstorm creative ideas and discuss new product research. He also attends global exhibitions to keep up to date with market trends.
When discussing what the future holds for the sliding and folding door hardware industry, Chris commented, “Similar to other industries, I believe that some of the “optional extras” will become a standard requirement. In the case of sliding door hardware, soft-close mechanisms and smooth low-friction systems are becoming an expectation amongst our customers.”
Outside of work, Chris is a keen runner. After his dad passed away in 2013, Chris took up running as a hobby. Since then, he has run 7 Marathons, over 50 Half Marathons and has lost count of how many 10K and 5K races he has taken part in! He also ticked off the London Marathon from his Bucket List in 2016.